HMAS Hobart

HMAS Hobart and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon have successfully completed a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.  These Australian defence assets played a key role in supporting the coordinated efforts of regional partners to enhance maritime security and promote adherence to international law. The other nations involved were Japan, the Philippines and the United States.

Engagement in activities such as this reaffirms Australia’s dedication to international cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It also underscores Australia’s commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

HMAS Hobart took part in the MCA as part of a six-week regional presence deployment, which demonstrates Australia’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments are a tangible demonstration of Australia’s ability to contribute to regional security and stability while strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations.